Goldendoodle Grooming Guide: Costs, Cuts & Coat Care (2026)

Goldendoodle Grooming Costs

Goldendoodles are one of the most expensive breeds to groom. Their size, coat texture, and tendency to mat means groomers spend significant time on each doodle. Here's what to expect:

Why Goldendoodles Are Expensive to Groom

• Size: Most Goldendoodles are medium to large dogs
• Coat density: Thick, fluffy coats take longer to wash and dry
• Matting prone: Extra time needed for brushing and dematting
• Scissor work: Achieving the fluffy doodle look requires skilled scissoring
• Time: Standard Goldendoodles take 2-3 hours to groom properly

With grooming every 6-8 weeks, annual grooming costs for Goldendoodles range from $800-$1,500. For comparison with other breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide.

Goldendoodle Coat Types

Goldendoodles can have three different coat types, depending on which parent they take after. Coat type significantly affects grooming needs and costs:

Straight (Flat) Coat

Takes after: Golden Retriever parent

The least common doodle coat. Hair lies flat against the body with minimal wave or curl. These Goldendoodles shed more than curly-coated ones and may trigger allergies. Easiest to maintain but doesn't have the classic "doodle look."

• Shedding: Moderate to heavy
• Matting: Low
• Brushing: 2-3 times per week
• Grooming frequency: Every 8-12 weeks

Wavy Coat

Takes after: Mix of both parents (most common)

The most common Goldendoodle coat type. Soft waves throughout with a fluffy appearance. Low to moderate shedding. Good balance of the classic doodle look without extreme grooming demands.

• Shedding: Low to moderate
• Matting: Moderate
• Brushing: Every other day
• Grooming frequency: Every 6-8 weeks

Curly Coat

Takes after: Poodle parent

Tight curls similar to a Poodle. Least shedding and most hypoallergenic, but highest grooming demands. Most prone to matting. Requires the most frequent professional grooming.

• Shedding: Minimal
• Matting: High
• Brushing: Daily
• Grooming frequency: Every 4-6 weeks

Goldendoodles come in various colors and coat types - this wavy coat is the most common

Popular Goldendoodle Haircuts

Unlike purebred Poodles with their breed-specific cuts, Goldendoodles typically get "pet clips" focused on the fluffy, teddy bear appearance doodle owners love.

Teddy Bear Cut

Best for: Owners who want the classic doodle look

The most popular Goldendoodle cut. Body hair is trimmed to 1-2 inches while the face is scissored into a round, fluffy shape. Creates the adorable teddy bear appearance that makes doodles so popular. Requires regular brushing to maintain the fluffy look.

Puppy Cut

Best for: Easy maintenance

Uniform length (typically 1-2 inches) all over the body, including the face. Less sculpting than the Teddy Bear Cut. Easier to maintain and less expensive. Works well for active dogs or hot climates.

Lamb Cut

Best for: A stylish look with less face maintenance

Body clipped short while legs are left fuller, creating a lamb-like silhouette. Face is typically trimmed shorter than the Teddy Bear Cut. Good compromise between style and maintenance.

Summer Cut (Kennel Cut)

Best for: Hot weather, active dogs, matting-prone doodles

Shorter all over (1/2 to 1 inch) for hot months. Much easier to maintain and keeps dogs cool. Many owners alternate between Teddy Bear in winter and Summer Cut in warm months.

Lion Cut

Best for: Owners wanting a unique, statement look

Body shaved short while the head, chest, and tail tip are left full to resemble a lion's mane. Dramatic but lower maintenance than a full fluffy coat.

How Often Do Goldendoodles Need Grooming?

Goldendoodle grooming frequency depends on coat type and the style you maintain:

• Professional grooming: Every 6-8 weeks (4-6 weeks for curly coats)
• Brushing: Daily to every other day (critical for mat prevention)
• Bathing: Every 3-4 weeks or at professional groom
• Nail trimming: Every 2-3 weeks
• Ear cleaning: Weekly (Goldendoodles are prone to ear infections)

Waiting longer than 8 weeks between grooms almost always results in matting, which costs extra to address.

Start grooming habits early - puppies need regular brushing to get used to the routine

The Goldendoodle Matting Problem

Matting is the #1 grooming challenge for Goldendoodle owners. Understanding why it happens and how to prevent it saves money and keeps your dog comfortable.

Why Goldendoodles Mat So Easily

Goldendoodle coats combine characteristics from both parent breeds in unpredictable ways. The mix of Poodle curls and Golden Retriever texture creates a coat that:

• Tangles more easily than either parent breed alone
• Has multiple textures that catch and hold together
• Traps loose hair instead of shedding it (which then mats)
• Absorbs and holds moisture that tightens tangles

Where Mats Form First

Check these friction areas during every brushing session:

• Behind ears
• Under the collar
• Armpits (where legs meet body)
• Rear end and under tail
• Belly
• Between toes and around feet

Preventing Mats

• Brush daily: No exceptions, even for "easy" wavy coats
• Use a slicker brush and comb: Brush first, then comb to check for missed tangles
• Brush to the skin: Surface brushing misses mats forming underneath
• Remove collar regularly: Brush under collar area
• Dry thoroughly after baths/swimming: Wet coat + friction = mats
• Keep on schedule: Don't skip professional grooms

When a Shave-Down Is Necessary

If matting is severe (mats tight to the skin), the humane option is a complete shave-down. Dematting severely matted coats is painful for the dog and time-consuming. Most groomers will recommend starting fresh with a short cut rather than put your dog through hours of painful mat removal.

The good news: The coat grows back! Use the shave-down as a fresh start and commit to daily brushing as the coat regrows.

At-Home Goldendoodle Grooming

Between professional grooms, home maintenance is essential. Here's what you need and how to do it:

Essential Tools

• Slicker brush: Primary tool for daily brushing
• Metal comb: To check for tangles after brushing
• Detangling spray: Use before brushing to reduce breakage
• Dematting tool: For small tangles (not severe mats)
• Ear cleaner: Weekly ear maintenance
• Nail clippers or grinder: Between-groom maintenance

Line Brushing Technique

The most effective way to brush a Goldendoodle is "line brushing":

1. Mist coat lightly with detangling spray
2. Part the coat in horizontal sections
3. Brush from the skin outward in small sections
4. Work from back legs forward, bottom to top
5. Pay extra attention to friction areas
6. Finish by combing through the entire coat

The comb is your quality check—if it doesn't glide through smoothly, you missed tangles.

A well-maintained coat means a comfortable, happy Goldendoodle

Goldendoodle vs. Poodle Grooming

If you're comparing doodles to purebred Poodles, here are the key differences:

For detailed Poodle grooming information, see our Poodle Grooming Guide.

Finding a Doodle-Experienced Groomer

Not all groomers are equally experienced with doodle coats. Look for:

• Doodle experience: Ask how many doodles they groom weekly
• Portfolio photos: See their work on Goldendoodles specifically
• Honest communication: Good groomers explain coat condition and options
• No judgment on mats: They help, not shame (mats happen)
• Maintenance guidance: They teach you how to brush properly

For more tips on finding quality groomers, see our Signs of a Good Dog Groomer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Goldendoodle grooming costs $80-$150 every 6-8 weeks. The key to happy doodle ownership is preventing mats through daily brushing. Know your dog's coat type, choose a practical cut, and establish a consistent grooming routine.

The Teddy Bear Cut gives you that classic doodle look, but don't be afraid to go shorter for easier maintenance. Find a groomer experienced with doodles, stay on schedule, and brush daily—your Goldendoodle will stay fluffy and mat-free.